Note: We find that cotton and polyester thread are especially suitable for these designs. In order to have the stitched out embroidery look the same on both sides, we would recomend that you use the same upper thread and bobbin thread.

Step-by-step instructions

Creating the freestanding lace bowl

1. Hoop the water-soluble stabilizer. Depending on the type of stabilizer you are using, you have to hoop from a minimum of 2 and up to 4 layers. When stitching out FSL it is very important to have sufficiently thick stabilizer, to have it hooped very tight (as one would often say "Tight as drum skin") and make sure it stays that way during the whole process of stitching out. It sometimes happens that a hoop may not hold well the stabilizer one is using tight enough during the stitching. In such case one may have to rap some suitable material (e.g. muslin stripes) along the long sides f the hoop's frame and then hoop the stabilizer. In order to avoid possible problems it is also recommended to use the smalest possible hoop and NOT to stitch out more than one design in a single hoop.

2. Stitch out the design components. You will need to stitch the side panel several times (depending on the bottom you will be using) and once - the bottom. Carefully cut off the loose thread ends or any jump stitches you may get in the process of stitching (at the beginning or when changing thread).

3. Cut away the excess stabilizer

4. Dip the side panels and the bottom in water. Follow the instructions of your stabilizer's manufacturer. In order to get a bowl with a better shape, please do NOT leave the components in water for too long. Just wait until there are no visible traces from the stabilizer.

5. Get the bowl components out of the water, place them carefully on a towel and let them dry. Once they are dry - iron them. Do NOT iron them directly. Cover the embroidery with a soft fabric instead.

6. Connect the side panels by zig-zagging them to each other from the inside.

If you have used cotton thread it is best to use the same thread for connecting the elements. If you have used viscose or other threads which are not suitable for connecting seams, then it is better to use invisible thread for assembling.

It is better to use invisible thread for connecting you stitch out the 2 color versions of the free standing lace bowls and doilies.

Connect all of them, including the last seam which connects the first and last side panel.

After you are done assembling the side walls of the bowl - attach the bottom to them by zigzag stitch.